Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom that is known as ling zhi in China, and commonly referred to as the reishi mushroom in Japan and the Western world.

Many of these chemical compounds are unique and not found in significant quantities in other plants. These many health benefits will surely help you to understand why fungi are one of the oldest food sources for us as humans. No ganoderma lucidum side effects have been reported.

Ganoderma Lucidum Benefits

Analgesic--This means that ganoderma has been shown to relieve minor pain.

Anti-allergy activity--While the ganoderma, or reishi mushroom has been shown to increase natural killer (NK) cells and interferon production, there are other parts of the fruiting body that may modulate the immune system so that it does not attack harmless substances and healthy tissue.

Bronchitis and bronchial asthma treatment--This also includes regeneration of bronchial epithilium.

Anti-inflammatory--This is important because total body inflammation is beginning to be recognized as a contributing factor to many different diseases such as coronary artery disease, cancer, and irritable bowel disease.

Antibacterial--Ganoderma lucidum has shown action against Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Bacillus pneumoniae. This is probably due to increased immunity.

Increased production of Interleukin-1 in vitro--Both Interleukin 1 and Interleukin 2 are essential for proper immune function.

Increased production of Interleukin-2 in vitro

Liver detoxifying and protective effect--Ganoderma is one of the many medicinal fungi that have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the liver. Proper liver function is essential for almost every aspect of human health.

Protection from ionizing radiation--When treated with ganoderma lucidum both before and after exposure.

Ulcer inhibiting activity--Probably due to the central depressant effect.

White blood cell and hemoglobin increase in peripheral blood of mice.

What we must remember is that the above mentioned benefits are probably only the tip of the iceberg. There will surely be more to come, as the research into this medicinal fungus is only in its infancy. It is surely no wonder why this rare mushroom has been prized for ages.

But luckily, we do not have to wait for science to discover all of the benefits of ganoderma lucidum. Our health is in our own hands. It is much easier to invest in our health now than it is to try to recover from a debilitating condition.